Since the University of Colorado graduated the first nurse practitioners in 1965, the educational requirements to enter the field have changed as the healthcare system has changed. Now, in order to keep nurse practitioners' skill sets current and to stay in step with physicians, pharmacists, and other practitioners in evidence-based practice, the American Association of Colleges of Nursing is recommending a doctorate degree be required for new NPs. Dr. Joyce Pulcini, an associate professor at Boston College Connell School of Nursing, joins host Mimi Secor to talk about the trends and changes coming to higher learning for nurse practitioners.